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Over the weekend, hope was restored for local farmers in the Eastern Cape as the dedicated members of the SAPS Stock Theft Unit recovered stolen cattle in Qumbu.
In a well-coordinated operation, the Maluti STES unit crossed district boundaries to address the growing concern of stolen cattle. At Kumkani Mhlontlo Local Municipality stock pound in Qumbu, four heartbroken farmers were reunited with their livestock, successfully identifying 28 cattle that had been taken from them. The relief on their faces spoke volumes about the impact of this operation on their livelihoods.
But the success didn’t end there. In a targeted raid near Gxaku, just outside Mount Fletcher, officers discovered an additional ten abandoned cattle. Thanks to the visible brand marks, the rightful owner was quickly found, and the animals were returned, ensuring that these valuable members of the community were back where they belong.
Joe Gqabi District Commissioner Major General Lindelwa Vellem praised the STES unit’s efforts, stating that stock theft is a crucial concern in the Mount Fletcher area. “These actions restore not only property but also peace of mind to our farmers,” she said.
